Public Mass...Suicide bombing in Iraq...Economic reports

Washington (AP) Pope Benedict says hope for the future "is very much a part of the American character." He made the remark in Washington's new baseball stadium, where tens of thousands gathered for the first public Mass of Benedict's U.S. trip. Benedict also lamented that the nation's promise of opportunity had fallen short for Native Americans and blacks.

BAGHDAD (AP) Police in Iraq say at least 50 people are dead after a suicide bomber struck the funeral of two anti-al-Qaida Sunni tribesmen north of Baghdad. The attack comes on the heels of a string of suicide attacks on Tuesday that killed 60 people in four major cities in central and northern Iraq.

WASHINGTON (AP) A new report says the United States lacks a comprehensive plan to deal with the terrorist threat in Pakistan.

The Government Accountability Office says terrorists are still operating freely in that country, even after the U.S. gave Pakistan more than 10.5 billion dollars in aid.

WASHINGTON (AP) A new study estimates that some 300,000 U.S.

troops are suffering from major depression or post traumatic stress from serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study released by the RAND Corporation also says 320,000 received brain injuries. One researcher calls it a "major health crisis."


NEW YORK (AP) There are mixed reports on the economy. A private business group says that its index of leading economic indicators is up slightly, reversing five months of decline. But the Labor Department reports that a higher-than-expected number of people applied for unemployment benefits last week. Stocks have been mostly lower so far today.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-17-08 1050CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list